Broken arm

[Sandi84]

Any tips on dressing, washing hair, taking bath when you have an arm in a sling?

You can get waterproof covers, Bloccs is one we had.
DS took baths & held his arm out of bath. He had a pretty grimey neck by the time the cast came off, but he could have been a better scrubber all it takes is a face cloth.

Back in March I dislocated my elbow and was in a cast from wrist to shoulder. I found that bras were easiest to put on if done up then put on by putting the cast through first then over the head then other arm followed by lots of wriggling & jiggling to get it in place. Same with t-shirts. Jeans I had to sit down to get my feet in then yanked them up one handed. Doing the zip before the button works best. Oh and don't forget to put your belt through first. Or if you don't need to be anywhere just stay in your pjs it saves lot of effort. Getting in & out the bath was a bit awkward but once in I rested my elbow on the edge of the bath. Easiest way to wash my hair was to lean over the side of the filled bath and use a jug and my good arm.

Thanks for this. Very helpful. Still concerned re bath. Is it possible I may not be able to get out when finished?

'Limbo' cast covers are effective, and they'll send one very quickly. About £12 the last time I needed one.

A shower will be much easier than a bath, even if it's just one of those rubbery hoses that you'll need someone else to hold for you.

Cheap hairdresser!

Get yourself a light fabric cross body bag, perhaps a shopping bag with tape added, to help you carry things around the house.

I would get in the bath and kneel down I would then twist round onto my bum then lay back with my cast resting on the edge of the bath. To get out I would sit up then twist round onto my knees then stand up and step out. It's a bit awkward but gets easier with practice

Thanks again for this. I’ll give it a try later on today. I’ve ordered a Limbo and sounded DH out re hairdressing or at least washing

I just think with practice you will manage and get better.I broke and needed a pin in my elbow and was in a cast for awhile but was unable to straighten my arm for quite some time afterwards.With time I could put my makeup on one handed,put in my contacts and straighten my hair.I put a plastic bag over my arm and had a shower/washed my hair-emptied the shampoo out onto my thigh and then scooped it up to put on my hair!!!

Cutting up food and spreading butter on toast surprisingly hard with one arm,as was trying to open a pull top tin of beans-Ah the memories

I was able to get out of the bath ok, but had to sit in it the wrong way round so I could push myself up with the good arm.

Any tips on undressing? I got myself in a real mess this morning trying to take a nightie off over my head. Got in a right tangle. Through the fabric I saw DH come in. I had no choice but ask him to help me but it took him ages.

Front fastening bra, buttoned nightie, put your broken arm in the armhole first. Cheap oversized teeshirts that you can wear and just pull over your head. Washing under your arms is difficult so get some baby sponges and cut them in half. If it's your dominant arm you can wipe your bottom on baby wipes with the other hand, it's not easy. Dh can wash your hair with a shower hose, you can put your arm and sling sort of tied up in a plastic bag.

I didn't bother with a bra difficult clothes.
dh's american style t-shirts were good.

Yes I went without a bra for a while and then had to ask OH to fasten bra for me.
Button up tops worked quite well.
I do remember having a wrestle with various tops and getting into a red faced sweaty mess and thinking it was hell, time is your friend.

Thanks for your ideas. I’ve just registered how much I need to rely on DH. We’re going to have a meal with friends tonight. I’ll nee DH to help me get dressed and undressed again. Hope he’s in a good mood!

So if he's not in a good mood you'll have to go in your nightie? What did he think the 'in sickness and in health' bit meant?

When I broke my elbow, DP had to put my bra on and the image of him trying to squeeze my boobs into it still makes me laugh!

Is your DH not being supportive?!

He’s very helpful and has already helped me get dressed.